Outlook junk email filter - how it works
The junk e-mail filter in Outlook recognizes spam mails and sorts them from your inbox into the junk mail folder. You can find out how this works and how to configure the folder here.
How the junk email filter works in Outlook
- The junk email filter does not prevent the receipt of spam mails, it moves them to an extra folder and thus, so to speak, in quarantine. Since these messages can contain viruses in the worst case, attachments are usually blocked.
- The filter is turned on by default in Outlook. This is set to "low", but can be changed. Read how to do this in the next paragraph.
- Especially if the security level is set from "high", Outlook can make incorrect assessments. Therefore, check the emails in the junk email folder regularly. If an email should end up in this folder by mistake, you can simply drag and drop it into the inbox.
Configure junk email filter in Outlook
To configure the filter, you have to go to its settings. This happens in the different Outlook versions in the following ways:
- Outlook 2010 and 2013: Open the "Start" tab at the top. In the "Delete" group, select the item "Junk E-Mail" and click on the "Junk E-Mail Options"
- Outlook 2007 and 2003: Click on "Extras" in the menu above and select the "Options". Now you can see the "Junk E-Mail" button at the top.
Set junk mail filter correctly
- Here you can switch back and forth between the individual tabs. Among other things, any senders can be marked there as safe or blocked.
- You can set the security level at the top under Options. The first four options allow you to disable the junk email filter entirely, set the sensitivity to "Low" or "High", or (if you want to be absolutely sure) just receive emails from the people you already have marked as safe (see picture).
- Finally click on the "OK" button to apply the changes.
